My parents founded our company in 1927, nearly 30 years before the Civil Rights Movement. It didn’t matter to them who or what you were, you were welcome. Back then in the South, here in Washington, D.C., this was a courageous move. But they stuck to their beliefs.
Martin Luther King, Jr. stood up for what he believed in. I'm still amazed at how he was able to change the face of not just our great country, but of the world. His courage and heroism continue to inspire me. (Dr. King's portrait is in our boardroom with a note from Coretta Scott King.)
Sunday October 16 was the official dedication of a memorial to Dr. King. I was really proud Marriott associates were among the throngs of people from across the nation and around the world. His beliefs of protesting using non-violent means for social change are evident today.
Dr. King’s speeches and sermons combined themes of democracy deeply embedded in the American conscience, and reinvigorated these messages with clear and insightful reflections on the true meaning of justice and equality.
Although I never met Dr. King, he is such an inspiration that I was honored to serve on the Martin Luther King Executive Leadership Council to help make this memorial a reality.
I encourage you to visit the memorial to experience more than a monument, but a place dedicated to honoring a great humanitarian.
I leave you with one of my favorite Dr. King quotes: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.
(Leave a comment on your thoughts of Dr. King.)
My favorite Dr. King quote comes from his "I Have a Dream" speech: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Posted by: John | 10/20/2011 at 08:16 PM
Martin Luther King Jr was a Republican. I just thought You'd like to know that.
Posted by: Wayne Harropson | 10/20/2011 at 05:26 PM
Your parents, by example, instilled in you the knowledge and conviction to do what is just and right for all individuals. Dr. King, by example, lead the way for each of us to be free, to reach out to others and to be mindful always of the greater good. May Dr. King's message and his example forever guide the way for each of us.
Posted by: Bev Norwood | 10/20/2011 at 02:59 PM
Mr. Marriott "Thank You" and the Marriott family for your insight and thoughtful words. It is much appreciated during these uncertain times in our great country. Your dedication and commitment to Dr. King's dream confirms that we are still a great nation which believes in social and economic justice for which Dr. King fought so diligently.
Posted by: Ivory Ross | 10/20/2011 at 10:06 AM